Spirit renews, expands lease for Miramar headquarters

Spirit Airlines has signed a new decade-long lease for its Miramar headquarters at 2800 Executive Way and is expanding operations into an additional 14,625-square foot of office space in the Miramar Park of Commerce, officials announced Friday.

In total the low-cost carrier will occupy about 70,819-square feet in the commerce park and is expected to take occupancy of the extra office space at 2844 and 2854 Corporate Way soon, Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza told employees during a rally.

Baldanza said the renewed new lease and headquarters expansion illustrates the airline's commitment to the South Florida community.

"This is good news," Baldanza said. "It's about growth and more jobs in South Florida."

Spirit moved its headquarters to Miramar from Detroit, Mich. in 1999.

Today the carrier has more than 1,300 employees in South Florida (nearly 3,800 companywide) and annual revenues of $1.4 billion in 2012. That's up from 2,288 employees and $484 million in revenues in 2006.

"We're delighted to now have Spirit extend its lease for 10 years and expand its offices at the Miramar Commerce Park," said Andy Ansin, vice president of Sunbeam Properties, the park's developer. "The entire South Florida community has benefited from having Spirit Airlines as a corporate neighbor and aviation leader."